Fantasy The Dragon Wardens

[Effervescent]

It was the end of an era. The once glorious Haven of the Dragon Wardens was attacked by the surrounding kingdoms and burned to the ground. All Wardens and their dragons were hunted down and slaughtered as humanity feared their power. Any survivors had no choice but to run and hide.


Dragon Wardens were once the peace keepers of the land, often called in to mediate disputes or prevent entire wars. Those who refused their council gave up the right to their protection, and thus the accepting side would have their aid in the war. Few would ever give up that right. Through the Dragon Wardens' help, the lands have created a prosperous trade route.


But humanity began to question the validity of the Dragon Wardens after countless accounts of Warden attacks were reported. The dragons feasted upon villages and the Wardens would plunder and murder innocents. It was very out of the norm for what everyone had known of these peace keepers.


It has been a season since the Haven fell, calling in Autumn in the Middle Lands and colder temperatures in the mountains. The Dragon Wardens are still being hunted down and killed, making it difficult for them to find people they can trust. Their numbers are scattered throughout the land. Hiding and protecting the dragons takes effort. In some lands, those who aid the Wardens commit treason. Dragon nests are hunted down and eradicated.


The remaining Dragon Wardens must rally together to right this wrong, and refute the horrid allegations against them. They must bring back peace to the land.

 

[Effervescent]

90th Day of Autumn

​

The Autumn air had begun to turn more crisp before falling into colder nights. The land started to reflect the coldness that had settled into the hearts of every human, half-elf, and elf, for the fall of the Haven brought doubt into their minds. The trust and understanding that had been prevalent in society for decades had crumbled so quickly and so easily. How could the foundation of their trust in each other be so fragile?


Within the woods of Eversyth, Idhrenan sat along the bank of a creek to replenish her canteen. The water was frigid against her fingers as she submerged the lip. The forest was quiet as the wildlife prepared for the coming Winter, the trees now bare of leaves as their branches jutted into the sky like bony claws. She cast her eyes upward briefly as a thought entered her mind.


Just within the treeline rested her only companion, Eosphelon. The dragon kept his body low, the crystal-like horns jutting from his back in a colorful contrast of blue to the dank and boring backdrop of a barren forest. His eyes were upward, and the Dragon Warden sensed his longing to be in flight once again. In his impatience, he grumbled and resituated his hind legs that rustled the dead leaves around him.


A sigh escaped her as she felt the weight of loss once again. Being present during the battle at the Haven took its toll and dragged her spirits downward. The world was so different and unforgiving than what the pair was used to. Considering the violent rumors she had been hearing, Idhrenan often found herself understanding the reaction. There were Dragon Wardens out there massacring entire villages for no explainable reason, or at least that is what was claimed.


Regardless of the truth, there were too few who seemed to want to listen to reason. It wasn't long after the Haven's fall that Idhrenan gave up on trying to convince the world of their innocence. Their only goal now was to slowly make their way out of the Kingdoms and live out their days. Eosphelon was excited of the prospects to be able to fly again.


Idhrenan insured any red wisps of hair were tucked back into her knitted hat before urging Eosphelon to stand. He rose quickly, shaking his body from side to side before stretching out his wings. He was not an extremely tall dragon, standing just at nine feet, which made traveling a bit easier for the pair. He took the lead while she walked behind him dragging along a makeshift construct made out of wood to disturb the earth and better hide their tracks. She knew it would not save them from being found by an Earth Caster, but it could help in delaying any possible hunt.


While in this regard she wished they were attuned to Earth, Idhrenan was more thankful for her affinity to the arcane. Sensing other aetherial presences and casting invisibility wards has proved useful in avoiding the eyes of her oppressors. As she capped her canteen and grabbed hold of her wooden construct, the two began their journey once again. She was told there would be a star-marked establishment half a day's walk from her location.

 

[Macaberz]

Olsten & Grybil
​

Between the foot of the Northern Mountains and the Twisted Woods


One advantage to riding a thirteen-and-a-half feet fire-breathing Dragon was that you were never cold. Slumped against Grybil's scarlet scales, beads of sweat dripped down Olsten’s brow. The same fever dream playing before his mind’s eye.


He was alone, surrounded by licking tongues of fire slowly closing in on him. Figments moved in the shadows, dark specters preying on him with glowing eyes. He tried to push the fire back, but the infernal flames only soared higher, rising and rising like a massive uncoiling snake. Hissing, the heat came crashing down on him like a tidal wave.


Olsten awoke with a start. The harsh, pale sun beat down on him.


He pushed Gybril’s shielding wing aside, crawled out of hiding and gasped for fresh air. Grybil opened a lazy golden eye behind him.


“I am fine,” Olsten panted. He stood up, sucked in a deep, cool breath and tried to calm himself.


“I am fine…” he muttered.


Grybil nuzzled his nose against Olsten and made a cooing, wobbling sound.


“We will have to go deeper into the wild,” Olsten said as he walked over to the charred remains of a campfire. They had trekked their way up a steep hill and Olsten had dropped his rucksack near the jagged boulders on the edge. It was a good place to make camp as he could gaze far and wide without being spotted himself. In the distance he could see the dark finger claw at the sky. Going into the Twisted Woods was their last resort, but he wagered the same fear that steered him clear might also keep bounty hunters away. But hiding a grumpy hot-tempered Dragon was no easy challenge, not even in the looming shadow of the Northern Mountains.


Olsten sank to his knees before the circle of blackened rocks and burnt logs. He ran his hands through the ash and sooth, splinters scraped his skin. Grimacing, he ruffled the charcoal through his hair until it was a peppered black and gray.


If the massive fire-breathing dragon at his side didn’t give away his Warden status, his bold red hair would. Crouched, he turned to face Grybil as he patted his hair.


“Well? How do I look?”


Smoky smells puffed out of the Fire Dragon’s nostrils. Olsten coughed. “Do you have a better plan?”


Grybil blinked again.


“Thought so…” he sighed.


The fierce red dragon stretched on its hind-legs before rising to its full, towering height. Once, he had been no larger than a cat resting on Olsten’s lap. Now Olsten did the resting. Deer or wild boar would do for breakfast.


“Alright buddy,” Olsten lobbed some leaves on the old campfire with his feet, strapped his bow and quiver to his back and carried a near-empty one-shoulder knapsack across the other side.


Next, he put the leather saddle on. They hadn’t flown for a while, and he knew Grybil didn’t like the straps and metal bits very much. He has grown, Olsten sighed inwardly. Fixing a new saddle now would be harder than ever and he shivered at the thought of doing without.


“We’re going to have to be careful. If it takes us more than three minutes to find prey, we’ll land.”


He took a few more minutes to put on his enchanted, studded leather armor before he heaved himself into the saddle. As soon as he was safely strapped in, Grybil opened his wings, kicked off and launched them both into the air.


He groaned as he realized his makeshift disguise was soon blown away by the wind. A rumble coursed through Grybil's scarlet frame.


“It’s not funny,” Olsten snapped. “It was a good idea.”


Grybil didn’t give him much attention and he couldn’t blame the dragon. He too had missed the freedom of being high up in the air, the trees beneath reduced to tiny little specks. With a bit of luck they’d come across prey, or some poor farmer or shepherd. It would mean stealing and exposing himself, two things he’d much rather avoid, but he couldn’t live on thin air either.


His thoughts returned to Haven. It was gone. Razed to the ground. He wished he could return there, just one more time. Already he’d forgotten what the training ground looked like. There was only billowing smoke, lit up by a baleful glow. And the clamoring…and the roars…and the screams…


He wondered if anyone else had survived. Many Dragons had risen to the sky that night, and almost all had fallen. Just…gone.


He swallowed down a gulp. Better not to dwell on the past. For now they had to survive so they could make it to tomorrow, and then the next day, and the next…


How much longer?

 

[Keitsumah]

Day 85 of Autumn: Cliffs of Anova: Ava and Feral



​

Ava considered her latest catch with an expression of disgust. She'd spent three hours of waiting for this?


A dark red shadow stirred in the back of the cave and Feral eyed the fish in her hands. "You want it? Go ahead." Ava grumbled and tossed the morsel upwards. The dragon's neck shot out and her jaws closed over the fish, swallowing it whole. Already the seagulls had vanished from this section of the cliffs, clearly knowing better than to tempt a hungry dragon and Warden. Guess they weren't such bird-brains after all.


Then again...Ava chewed on a thin rib-bone and picked at her teeth with it. They'd caught a good half dozen of the birds, but the nests were no use looking through. No eggs at this time of year. Ava glanced at their meager belongings. A saddle, the clothes on her back, a sack of rations stolen from a caravan at night -soon to be empty. It would barely last them another day if they were lucky.


The bone snapped as her teeth clamped down on it too hard. Damn humans and their fickle ways. The Dragon Wardens had only ever protected them. Just because of rumors they had to go an destroy her home? Her world?


A low, rumbling growl shook the floor of the cave and Ava nodded, tossing the shattered rib bone away. "They hadn't even given us a chance to try and find out just what was going on. Just had to whip up their armies and kill those who would help them. Idiots!"


Ava growled herself and flopped onto her back. Fury roiled in her stomach like a shadow-viper. Sinking its crooked fangs into her every second and madding her further. Burn, broil. Make them bleed. Slice them to pieces. Make them hurt...


It was only when Feral whined that her mind snapped free of the blood-dream. No. There would be no use to falling into a rage now. At least not when they didn't have a target...


With a sigh, Ava stood up and paced to the back end of the cave then to the entrance. The ocean roiled dozens of meters below, waves slamming into the side of the cliff to send up a spray of mist that clouded the gaping hole. Ava felt a twinge of pride for finding such a good hiding place -and one that few could get to- but knew that they couldn't afford to stay here much longer. Already a week was pushing it.

​

She licked her lips and tasted nothing but salt. Guess it was time to get more water.


"Come on Feral. I'm sure you're thirsty too." But the dragon watched her, knowing she was just trying to change the subject. However, after a moment, Feral stood and padded in her direction. Ava laid a hand on her companion's muzzle and gazed into one blood-red eye.


"I'm sorry, Feral. I'll try harder to block them."


The dragon growled and nuzzled her cheek. Ava laughed.

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Feria & Ifer

The Twisted Woods

They were just twisted woods. Woods that were twisted. No big deal, right? But although neither admitted it, both knew that the other was a little.. on edge. Feria kept a hand on Ifer as the two walked through the forest. The long dragon was hunched low, growling under his icy breath. He didn't like this place. Neither of them did, yet they were here. They were forced to be here.


"It's just woods, Ifer." Ifer snarled. "Woods that are twisted. Don't be such a baby." Ifer snarled again.


Feria realized a piece of bright orange hair had slipped out from the woolen cap. She tucked it back in, and pulled her black cloak as far as it would go over her head. Ifer looked to the sky, gurgling softly, and Feria sighed. Ifer's playfulness had disappeared over the last few months, replaced by longing and despair.


A few yards ahead, there was the sound of twigs cracking. They both froze. Feria stepped forward, dagger raised, prepared to throw. A rabbit skittered into view.


Well. That was better than a citizen of Thall, for sure. Quickly, Feria aimed and threw the dagger, hitting the white rabbit right in the side. It fell immediately, dead. "Dinner is served." Feria smiled. Ifer sighed. Damn him, just a big baby. Feria thought.


An hour later they had a small fire going with the rabbit roasting. It wasn't enough to fill their bellies, really, but it was something.


"Oh, come on." Finally Feria broke the silence. Ifer opened an eye.


"This is going to be over at some point. Stop whining about it, alright? Everything ends at some point." In response, Ifer yawned. Feria clenched her teeth together. "Fine, fine! Be a lazy bum. What do I care. It's not like I'm the one that just caught you a rabbit or protected you or anything. You might've been dead now if it weren't for me!"


Silence.

 

[Red Thunder]

Hale and Kraeg

​

Ten Years Ago - the Haven, the study on the second level

The parchment was full of scribbles and scratches. Hale sat hunched over it, a quill clenched in one hand and his head in the other. Tilly hovered over him, her gray hair up in a tight bun and a knowing smile on her face. Flora and geographical knowledge might come naturally to him, but there was still a lot of information to remember. The older Warden pointed down to a map that sat on the table by her student's hand.


"No, look. See the foothills here?" She gestured to a region just south of the Northern Mountains and just east of the Twisted Woods. "The

faelus

root can be found most commonly here.


"Now. What's the root good for?"


Hale's face scrunched up in thought. Finally he answered hesitantly.


"F-for food?"


Tilly grinned and slapped him on the back.


"That's it! Great job.

Faelus

is one of the single most nutritious and sustaining plants in the kingdoms. It'll even go a ways to keeping a dragon happy. I'm not really sure how the Thalls never figured it out. But our Scouts know it well."


Her student sighed heavily, dropping his pen to rub his temples. His mentor stood over him, proud. He'd learned much in his short life. More than many veterans knew about the Wilds. Hale would do well.

-----


Current Day - the southern foothills of the Northern Mts.

Kraeg rumbled grumpily to himself as he trudged along, his Warden on his back. The foothills of the Northern Mts. that surrounded them hid them well enough, as did the trees the reached eastward from the nearby Twisted Forest. Though he was perhaps one of the largest dragons he could think of, Kraeg may as well have been a shadow for all the noise he made.


Branches rustled above him as he passed by, and the dragon would look up on occasion. But no; it was just the wind. He took the moment to check on his Warden. Hale was still asleep, though he twitched with bad dreams, having strapped himself down to the saddle earlier. A hood concealed his auburn-red hair. Not that it mattered; anyone on a dragon would likely be attacked, regardless of hair color. Content his rider was as safe as he could be, Kraeg turned his head, his steps guided by his memory. Silently he crept on, his large footprints continuously rubbed out by his undulating tail and his granite-like scales blending into the quickly falling twilight.


He finally stopped a half hour later, Hale finally waking up. The half-elf patted Kraeg's side and climbed down.


"Thanks, mate."


The dragon rumbled and began sniffing about the ground. Hale turned to see him nosing about.


"Hungry, eh? Me, too. Here."


Hale reached down and yanked up a small plant by its stem. The roots held the earth loosely and came up easily. He hobbled over to Kraeg and stroked his nose.


"Here, mate. Remember Tilly? She told me about this root. It's

faelus

. Should be enough for a snack, anyway. Open up."


The dragon's maw gaped. Hale could easily fit between the creature's jaws. He chuckled and threw the plant within.


"Well you're a bit eager."


Still laughing to himself, he turned away and began to set up camp. His tone was light but his eyes were sad. It hadn't happened that long ago, and finding the root only brought up sad memories. Kraeg turned to face his Warden and breathe a gentle breath of encouragement upon him. And so they spent the night, both grieving but both thankful for the other's companionship.


Morning came cold and clear, a sure sign of the oncoming winter. Hale shivered and patted his friend's head.


"Come on, mate. The Sun is up, and we should follow Her example."


Kraeg yawned mightily, sounding much like a rock slide in the effort. The half-elf chuckled.


"Aye. Me too. But we can't stay in one spot; you know that. Besides, maybe we'll find some other Dragon Wardens today!"


He spoke cheerfully, but he couldn't hide his worry from his dragon. Fifteen minutes later, they were on their way, as silent in the early morning as they had been in the evening.

 

[Llamadragon]

Frost had finally claimed the mountain dale as the domain of the approaching winter. Silver whited outlined every leaf, jagged rock and yellow, withering strand of grass far below the Dragon Warden pair. Lupins opinion was divided - he was torn about leaving the place that had been their home, and yet the Earth dragon wanted nothing more than to finally stretch his wings again and fly. He climbed with eagerness, closer to the skies, further and further up into the biliting cold and windy torrents that tugged on the plants of his back and the loose clothes of of his Warden.


Rion on her end, perched on the smooth scales of her companions back and using his many thorns for stirrups and handles, looked back over the dale as her companion continued on. She was well aware they couldn't stay anymore - not even her earth magic could cultivate enough plant food for both of them once the frost started to bite into the soil and hinder the growth of roots. Yet, she feared what would await on the outside. Persecution was only one part of it - what scared her, well and truly, was the fear of never finding another living Dragon Warden. After the ambush that divided her squad, she had tried. Unfortunately her attempts had led only to finding enemies in the very same people she had sworn her very life to serve and protect. The old woman wasn't normally one to hold grudges, but this one made her mouth shrivel up in a grimace.


Well.. not that she had a choice. She could still feel the lives and magic leave her carefully cultivated cattails and birch trees and pines down below, the wild apple and the dandelion fields, the very plants that had sustained their stay down there, far behind them. Flickering lights, about to be snuffed. Frost was upon them now. She sighed. She was so tired that hibernation didn't really sound like a bad idea - tired of the constant, bloody cold, tired of being so cut off from the rest of the world, tired from not knowing, and only guessing what would await Lupin and her outsie of those ridges. Most of all she was just tired of worrying.


An optimistic stir in the back of her mind.


"Every the optimist, my friend." she said warmly. "Yet if things resolved themselves on their own, what need would there have been for Dragon Wardens in the first place? Hardly. Humans are pack animals. Throw in one charismatic warmongering idiot, and you're gonna have a full scale conflict before you even have the chance to say 'diplomacy'."


A warm and gentle nudge, a thought without words from that place of her mind that belonged to her Dragon. An animals thoughts, yet one that Rion understood so well. She couldn't stop her weathered and wrinkled old face from cracking up into a smile. "You DO have a point there. I am also pretty sick and tired of this bloody vegan lifestyle. I've been dreaming about bacon for nights in a row now."


To be honest, there was no real use of speaking, aside from the fact that she missed it. Two minds as one, so what need was there for words? It was more her craving for human companionship than anything else, and that would take them closer to the ruins of the Haven before continuing on towards the Viridian Mountains where they hoped for solitude in a more forgiving climate. A risky move, yes, but neither of them felt very motivated by the idea of relative safety yet perpetual loneliness. And if they were to ever find anyone, they better do so before winter wiped them completely out of leads.


At last, Lupin leaped the final bit up to the edge of the ridge. Below them was nothing but a steep mountain wall leading down, down into the abyss, ahead of them the sky that brightened with the approaching morning. Rion could feel Lupins excitement tug away at her mind, and with a screech he unfoled his massive wing span for the first time in long months, and the earth dragon leaped. His wings beat hard against the winds for a while before finally catching a glide, and the duo cut through the biting mountain air. Not far to the west, the border to the Twisted Woods could be seen, and they steered southwards while flying as closely to the ground as they dared. Once they were across the worst of the rough terrain, they'd land and continue on foot.


(BEHOLD! A likely shitty wall of text I can't be bothered to shorten any more because it's like three a clock in the morning! Yay! \o/)

 

[CaptainDorran]

Malcolm and Elain whistled through the sky at an alarming speed. She only flapped every so often, her sheer speed in their panicked hurry enough to carry them forward whilst gliding. His heart beat hard and fast in his chest as he sped towards the gentle orange glow in the clouds. He held an involuntary breath as they dove towards the clouds. His visor was a white blur as what seemed an ethereal entity beat against him, he lay close to his dragon. They were both trying to stay calm, ironically so as not to alarm the other. The clouds seemed to be getting thicker and darker, only for it suddenly to stop. As they broke the cloud bank Malcolm's heart fell, he saw now why there was an orange glow, and why the clouds were so dark. Perhaps he had known the whole time. Before him burned his home, a bright orange beacon, pouring acrid smoke into the sky. Had he not been on a saddle he might have slipped from Elain's back, his whole body felt weak. He thought of all those that had died. He thought of Olsten, his charge left to his own devices whilst Malcolm took a mission to the far North. If Olsten had died there was no one to blame but Malcolm.


Without a hint of doubt or rational second thought that anyone down there was surely heading for the next world, the Dragon Warden sped towards the blaze. They circled as long as they could, but the battle was long since over, any wounded must have fled or died. They landed, sorrow filling both their hearts. As all he knew and loved burned around him, something died in Malcolm. But in it's death throes he screamed at the sky, Elain joined him; her heartbroken, guttural roar easy drowning his sound. A last irrational defiance of an irrational attack. He looked around at the conflagration of his life around him, his eyes wild. Elain padded around, uncertain anger filling her mind. Malcolm tried to calm himself, enough of him staying alert to rein in Elain in her mournful roars and mount her, take back to the sky and head North.

*******************************************************

​

Malcolm sat up as the deer began to sizzle over the fire. Elain looked up from her grumpy, hungry sleep, recognising the sound. Malcolm hefted the spit from the fire and drew his sword, carving himself a decent meal he nodded to Elain "Dinner is served." She padded forward quickly, snapping up the meal and almost eating it in one. Malcolm smiled gently "Did that even touch the sides?" from the gentle glow of her eyes pulsing once, he knew the meal was appreciated. His smile faded as he tucked into his own, knowing soon they'd have to leave the relative warmth of the cave.


He swept some loose strands of his auburn hair from his face and chewed some deer. The unseasoned meat was fairly dull, but he didn't care, he was hungry. He watched as Elain sombrely licked the spit, eager for any remaining morsels. Malcolm set his food atop a flat stone next to him and cleaned his sword. He ate another slice as he looked along the blade for any shiny points, showing where the blade had grown blunt. It was decent, without the proper tools he was unwilling to try and use a makeshift sharpening stone. He ate his last two slices quickly and stepped into the space at the back of the cave. He breathed in and out slowly, loosening up his body. He swirled his sword in his right hand twice and then snapped it up into a defensive hold. He held it up as if blocking a downward strike, before spinning into his imaginary enemy's guard. He let loose a sideways kick at abdominal height, then following the spin through stabbed his shadow in the gut. He continued to practice a while, the quick, controlled movements precise and considered.


About 15 minutes later the sun was finally hidden by the horizon, and he was tightening the straps of Elain's saddle. He hefted a large rucksack onto his back, adjusting it so the weight was central. He pulled the straps tight and walked out to the mouth of the cave alongside Elain. Without a word or command they both broke into a run and she lowered her neck allowing him to sling his arms around, swing himself round and up onto her back. As they flapped into the sky, making for the clouds, something pulled gently at his mind... a magical presence?


(OCC; presence can be dismissed or used.)

 

[LadyMatsudai]

The river was not too far from where Erramun and Dinyla had settled for the night, the massive earth dragon watching his rider struggle to walk in a straight line to the riverbed, a canteen in her hand before she whimpered and fell to her knees. Her head felt light and her body weak, limbs shaking from the effort to try and keep herself from falling. Dinyla had fallen ill a few nights before and her condition only worsened, leaving her to just eat the dried meat she had in her bag before and whatever herbs she could find with the help of Erramun. Dinyla grimaced to the small pebbles digging into her knees, trembling hands lowering the canteen into the river to fill the container before leaning back, head hanging to the sickening twist in her gut. Slowly and shakily, Dinyla had returned to where Erramun was settled beside a large hill of fallen boulders, gasping to tripping. The massive dragon quickly moved his head forward to catch his Warden on his snout, lifting her effortlessly before setting her down in the crux of his wing to his body.


Erramun's chest rumbled with a deep purr, his snout nestling carefully against Dinyla's face in the effort to comfort her before resting his head on her lap, purring still to hope to soothe her aching and sick body. Dinyla's blue milky eyes closed to the purring, taking in the vibrations against her sickly figure. In her research among the vast collection of books in Haven's largest study, Dinyla had come to discover an old 'wives tale' about dragons. The vibrations of their voices vibrates their bones at low frequencies, leading to the speculation that dragons could heal themselves from broken bones or whatever ailments they could had suffered. It was a pleasant thought for Dinyla, her large dragon's efforts in trying to help her heal made her smile. A pale hand weakly stroked Erramun's gray stoned snout, some of her red hair falling in front of her pale face. "You big softie..." she breathed, receiving another purr from Erramun before he snorted, a puff of warm air blown into her face before a whimper escaped his jaws.


"I know, Erramun...I know...I miss them too...all of them..." she cooed, fingers slowly moving to scratch under his chin while Erramun raised his head to expose more of his chin and neck to the soft scratches. A sip of the cool river water moistened Dinyla's parched throat, making her cough from the liquid racing down to her stomach, face grimacing to the impact of the water to her otherwise empty stomach. "I can still hear them...the screams...I can still smell the smoke...in the air...and I can touch...the blood of the fallen...I am terrified, Erramun...What if we can't find any of the others? What if...what if they are all gone?" whimpered Dinyla, tears running down her cheeks, closing her eyes to try and hold them back but to no avail. Erramun keened softly to Dinyla, his head tilting to rest his forehead to hers as his body curled more, pulling her closer against him as his golden eyes closed to calm his rider. Leaning forward against his large head, Dinyla weakly embraced her dragon's snout, caressing just under his eyes while her body shivered against his cool skin. "You always know...how to make me...feel better, Erramun..." she sniffed, another purr leaving Erramun's lips.

 

[Effervescent]

The Northeastern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

It was not soon after Olsten and Grybil's lift off that they were accompanied by a large falcon. The impressive bird flapped its wings, majestically maintaining speed next to the dragon. Its beady eyes blinked, and it gave a shrill call before swooping away.


Below in the frost covered roads, two bounty hunters sat upon their steeds in waiting, their eyes to the sky after hearing the harsh beating of massive wings. They had been tracking a possible lead for days, and nearly grew weary of their endeavor to find an illusive Dragon Warden. The prize for such a find was quite grand, even split in half between the two.


They waited paitently for the falcon's call that echoed shrilly through the barren and sparse woodland. The direction of the call determined their next move, and they kicked the flanks of their horses quickly to urge them to a gallop. The terrain was rocky and downhill, but the trees were not as dense as the Twisted Woods below. They had to get to the Dragon Warden before that treeline.


Breath excaped them in clouds of vapor that flowed past their faces in the speed and anticipation of the hunt. The dull sun blinked upon their skin and adorned hides of fur, strings of fangs, and cured dragon skin armor as they passed through the lines of trees. Once the silhouette of the dragon was located, they produced from their quivers oddly shaped and specially crafted arrows. Deftly, they knocked the arrows within a longbow string and aimed through the treetops.


The arrows whistled through the air, though did not appear to be aimed directly at Grybil, but rather in front of the dragon. As one arrow streaked in a fast arch, the other was on a path to intercept. Just as it flew right in front of the Dragon Warden, the arrows collided causing a resounding BANG! and a blinding flash of light.


The two bounty hunters quickly knocked another explosive stun arrow, aiming it at the pair once again. Disorienting the Dragon Wardens in flight have proved the best method to grounding them while also providing them with the upper hand against such a powerful duo. With the force of the noise caused by the explosion would at least cause a lack of coordination due to the impact of decibels upon the ears.


@Macaberz


Possible: @Red Thunder @CaptainDorran

Cliffs of Anova

​

The Glassy Sea's wind whipped the dark hair of a tall Naveri elf, his eyes searching the horizon's arch upon the massive body of water. Julaeus Fyn approached the cliff's edge cautiously, his outter robes of fine green silk lapped around his slender form. This was the location of the reports, and he knew the cliffs well enough to know which caves were more accomodating to larger creatures.


Securing a rope around a rather sturdy looking berch, he resituated his satchel along his back before making his descent along the cliff's face. For hours he searched for signs of the possible Dragon Warden. Upon the fourth hour he came across a particularly unpopulated section where the seagulls were too few in number. This was it, and just as the reports stated.


Making his descent yet again, and almost immediately he saw what appeared to be a red head at the entrance to a large cave. Excitedly, the eft waved, attempting to catch the girl's attention.


"Hello!" he called out. "I am a friend! Please stay there!"


Julaeus hastened as he lowered himself to jutting rocks that supported his weight and began to maneuver himself closer to the entrance of the cave where the girl stood.


@Keitsumah

The Twisted Woods

​

The Twister Woods were never kind to those who entered. To delve within its labarynthian pathways and live was a feat to be sure. Sunlight could barely break through the twisted and gnarled trees, their branches weaving amongs themselves like thick webs creating dense canopy. Life within this ominous forest survived and grew stronger with each generation as they endured the harsh environment, thus creating beasts greatly feared.


Flickering flames brought a warm glow upon Feria and her dragon companion, Ifer. The orange danced about the dark and mossy bark of the trees and refracted upon the morning fog. The nearby swamp created an everpresent boggy stench. For a time the woods were inactive around the pair.


But as the warmth of the fire and its glow continued, it began to attract a host of curious wyverns that swooped through the treeline above and rested themselves along thicker branches to support their weight. Greedy eyes appraised the visitors, and primalistic hunger took over their primitive minds.


Wyverns are the lesser cousins to dragons, their bodies typically smaller than even the smallest dragon. They carried themselves upon two legs, their wings acting as arms if need be. They did not carry as intelligent of a mind as dragons do, and tended to take to more violent approaches to things they didn't know.


A shrill skriek escaped one of the wyverns above Feria that activated a swarm that rose from the canopy. they flew through the woven branches and dove down at swift speeds, aiming for the Dragon Warden. Such a tasty meal to be had!


@CloudyBlueDay

Southern Foothills of the Northern Mountains

​

It was a particularly chilly morning in the foothills of the Northern Mountains. A thick frost would not relenquish the earth upon the slope where Hale and Kraeg traversed. Most of the wildlife prepared themeselves for the coming Winter and were scarcely seen apart from last minute gatherers.


The calm atmosphere was stifled by the distant reverberation of an explosion nearer to the treeline. Distantly, the silhouette of two archers upon horses could be seen like dots within the few trees that covered the landscape. Above them where they aimed was the likely familiar form of a dragon, and upon it a rider. It could mean only one thing.


@Red Thunder @CaptainDorran

The Northern border between the Twisted Woods and the Northern Mountains

​

The Twisted Woods' treeline was in ominous contrast to the lively terrain of the Northern Mountains. It looked dead and devoid of life, but everyone knew that was never the case. Fog rose from the cracks within the canopy that looked as though gnarled fingers could no longer contain the souls of those that had died within.


A scream rose through the air in shrill distress followed by a bright green light. Another soul to the shadows, from what it may appear. It was likely forbidden magic was being used close by, and some poor innocent was sacrificed in its name. Dark practicioners were common, and the castle of Kal'katah was close to where Rion and Lupin flew.


The possibility of being noticed by a Shadow Caster so close to this realm was a high chance, and one not too favorable by any Dragon Warden on the run.


@Llamadragon

The Northern Woods of Eversyth

​

The open space around the Asten River would not be considered a good spot for someone to stay, especially someone on the run. The safety of the nearby woods would becon to Dinyla and Erramun and offer them a better veil from watchful eyes. It would not be long before the earth caster could feel the disturbance in nature around her.


Someone had left a somewhat obvious trail leading Northward. Branches were broken away and not to, and it was done within the span of a day. The path was wide, and the exposed dirt tilled purposefully to hide tracks. If she chose to follow the path, the dull smell of burned wood permiated the air still. It was hours old. The earth was disturbed in two areas; one small and one large. The large area felt too big to be that of a horse.


Whose path would require such hasty measures to cover? It would be up to the Dragon Warden to decide whether it was worth the chance to discover.


@LadyMatsudai

Idhrenan and Eosphelon - The Northern Woods of Eversyth, just south of the border to Warden lands

​

The path leading to the supposed Guide and friend to Dragon Wardens was not a frequented trail, for Idhrenan and Eosphelon frequently met thick, thorny bushes that blocked their path and spiraled upward beyond what they could manage. On occasion they would find themselves cutting through the natural barriers in a release of frustration. The morning was quickly turning, and the Dragon Warden wished to near her destination sooner than later. She needed to hear news of any kind. She wanted to send out a message, or at least see if anyone else had sent a missive to the stead in Eversyth.


Eosphelon grabbed hold of a spry tree branch as he walked onward, carrying it with him until the branch started to bend back threateningly. Idhrenan held her breath, shaking her head in fear as she knew that branch was meant to fly back and hit her.


"Don't do it," she whispered in plea. The dragon gurgled in a gutteral chuckle, releasing the branch. It flew quickly towards Idhrenan's face, and she dodged the coming pain just in time. The tawny branch had hooked its fingers into her knitted hat and flung it right off of her head. Deep red locks cascaded down her shoulders in a mess once released. She felt her companion's mirth as she scrambled for her hat.


Dead leaves clung to the thick fabric. Idhrenan quickly shook them free and twisted her hair on her head before hiding it back under the hat. Her eyes scanned the forest to insure there was no one around to witness. Whether her dragon companion cared or not, she expressed her disappointment to Eosphelon before they carried on.

 

[Red Thunder]

The Northeastern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

Kraeg stopped suddenly, his head rising to point in the direction of the explosion. At the halt in momentum, Hale also looked up from hiding their tracks with his earth magic. The dragon huffed uncertainly, and the half-elf shook his head.


"I don't know, mate. But it's the cat what noses around as gets killed. Let's go."


Hale patted his friend's neck reassuringly. But Kraeg didn't move. Instead he began growling. It started as a sigh but steadily rose into anger, his cheek twitching as it did. Hale studied the direction from whence the sound came. His breath suddenly caught in his throat. There, in the sky, was an undeniable dragon. The cripple cursed.


"No, you're right. Let's go!"


It was all the permission Kraeg needed. The dragon took off, practically sprinting through the low foothills as only an earth dragon can. Hale, as he'd practiced, worked the ground under each huge footstep, softening what would otherwise be thundering impacts to gentle thuds.


Finally they crested the westernmost most foothill. Below them, just a few yards off, were two hunters among the trees, perched upon their respective horses. Their bows were taut with arrows, and their faces watched the sky intently. Hale reached up to scratch the base of Kraeg's neck as they watched their enemies with keen eyes.


"Well what do you think, mate? Want to take them and keep our airborne friend safe?"


The dragon wiggled in response, the trees on his back rustling a little as he did.


"Me, too."


Without further prompting, Kraeg exploded over the hill. Hale raised his hands and slammed them down. In response, the packed dirt at the horses' feet flew into the air, much like flour flies into the air when a baker smacks it, effectively blinding those inside. With a deafening roar, Kraeg pounced into the dust cloud, thrashing at anything and everything with tooth and claw.

 

[Keitsumah]

Day 85: Cliffs of Anova: Ava and Feral

​

At the sound of a voice dimly heard over the crash of the waves, Ava jumped. She looked about wildly, backing into the cave as she did, and at the last second spotted an elf. He kept his feet planted against the damp stone of the cliff as he waved at her, and Ava felt a terrible growl vibrate through her body as her dragon's head whipped out and her teeth closed on the back of her shirt. The girl was pulled inside the safety of the cave and shoved behind the dragon. Wings spread slightly to make her look bigger, Feral took up a couched, wide-footed stance, head low and swaying from side to side like a viper. The girl, lying flat on her back beneath the fire dragon, glimpsed flame as it sparked between her companion's teeth.


We've been found. But the thought was useless already when it was so obvious. Her swords rasped as they came free of their scabbards and she rolled over onto her stomach before crawling forward a bit to be able to see between her dragon's forelegs.


Ava's lip curled in disgust as the replayed his words in her mind. Friend? Friend? Where were their friends when the attack had happened? Where were their friends when thousands of innocents were slain? Pressing a hand to Feral's belly, the girl was allowed to rise into a crouching position as she slid from beneath her companion. However, the dragon kept a foreleg in front of her as protection, and her wing above like a tent.


Ava waited until the elf managed to get close enough to the cave entrance to be heard. "I not care for lies." she growled. "If you intend to distract us before other members of your team arrive, I'd suggest you leave now. Or burn."


Feral growled, then sent a plume of golden flame arcing along the ground in warning.

 

[LadyMatsudai]

The Northern Woods of Eversyth



Still gingerly stroking Erramun's large head, Dinyla slowly lifted her head, milky eyes glancing around the riverbank in curiosity. Something was...off... Not wrong but certainly not comforting enough to let the feeling pass by. "What is that?" she asked herself, starting to crawl a little away from Erramun, who huffed and grabbed the end of Dinyla's robes, exerting little effort to keep her in place. Dinyla grunted to the strong hold on her robes as she pointed ahead of her. "Erramun...please...something is here...something was here...look," she pleaded, the dragon sighing deeply before slowly standing up, rocks shifting as his large body stood on all fours, shaking the dust between his scales and started to walk forward, his teeth grabbing the collar of Dinyla's clothes to hoist her carefully up onto her feet. The lurch surprised Dinyla at first as her arms flailed in the empty air, only to move forward to feel for any solid things in front of her.


The left side of her left hand brushed against the singed bark of one of the trees, some of the bark breaking off from the trunk, leaving a charcoal residue across her pale skin. Rubbing the blackened soot between her fingers, Dinyla smelled the ash, nostrils singing from the strength of fire destroying the former wood. Her fingers slid along the knots and grooves of the trees out towards its branches, wincing to the sharpness of the branches and twigs that had been bent, caving to the pressure of something big to have broken off. Her head turned, ear directed to the heavens as she listened intently. "Nothing, Erramun..." she breathed, hands shaking as she staggered towards the middle of the path carved through the forest. "Not a sound...there are no birds...no animals anywhere nearby...they have been scarred off by something...something big..." she observed, milky blue eyes staring down the path.


"Sulfur...and fire..." repeated Dinyla to herself, a weak smile curling on her lips. "Dragons...another dragon, Erramun..." said Dinyla faintly, her features soon softening before she began to fall backwards. Erramun quickly dashed forward and caught his rider with his claw, nuzzling her face gingerly before he keened, golden eyes staring down into the blank clouded ones of his rider. "Dragon...Wardens...here..." she breathed, face contorting to pain as she whimpered from the sickening feeling growing in her gut. Her bones ached while her muscles stretched and tightened, screaming in pain for sweet relief from the horrible illness plaguing her. Erramun whimpered more before his golden eyes stared up towards the direction of the path, sniffing the air for a moment before growling at himself. He did not dare trust his rider to others...but a Dragon Warden...if it was that...couldn't be that bad, right? Careful to rest Dinyla in the confines of his leather saddle, Erramun began to march through the premade path, steam rolling from his nostrils in the cool Autumn air. His wings stretched, twigs and branches groaning from the added force to their weakened joints before curling back to shield Dinyla from the light, her shaking body shrouded with shadows, her dragon marching forward. He knew that at this rate, Dinyla may not survive the night...what choice did he have?

 

[CaptainDorran]

Elain and Malcolm had climbed high now, the cloudless night cold and unforgiving. He was dressed warmly over his armour, and her own arcane forces would shield Elain for the time being. The presence he had sensed had long faded, no doubt some foul creature venturing bravely from the Twisted woods. They had flown for hours, his lean frame and her small size giving them a good flight time. At midnight they had stopped and rested for an hour on the last mountain before the foothills ran into the vast expanse of the Thallas plains. They now glided most of the time, high in the dark sky. The corrupted forest to their right bled uncomfortably into the scrub-land of plains below them, the strange dark margin wriggling away ahead of them. The two made the trip in near silence, no need for words leaving a companionable silence.


It was coming towards the morning as the mountains surrounding the ruins left of his life loomed in the distance, appearing slowly over the horizon. Both were beginning to feel weary, their sleep cycle having shifted to the nocturnal almost an entire phase of the moon ago. It was a sickle-crescent in the sky now, like death's blade hanging over the horizon, ready to take night to the underworld. He reassured Elain in the near completed nature of their journey, and promised her a meal come their arrival. He attempted to hide the fact that he had no idea how he would do that from her, but he could feel her mentally roll her eyes. He smiled gently, letting it fall naturally from his features. As he gazed at the strange mix of day and night, battling for the sky, he considered what he was doing. Being the last of the Dragon Wardens had a certain romantic draw to it and some strange, cynical part of him was briefly entranced by the idea. But the idea of being the last of their kind in all creation was not something he could stomach.


Hours later they rested in a dank cave, the first they could find. It faced North East and the air was cool. They slept soundly, they had pushed far, unwilling to land in the wide open plains, or dangerous woods whilst so tired. He woke suddenly, a cold sweat running over him. Elain nudged him with her snout, awoken by his sudden movement. He leaned his head on her scaly muzzle, and shuddered violently for several seconds as he waged war on the emotions inside him. "I saw it again, the nightmare..." he whispered hoarsely, Elain putting her wing further round him protectively. "They burned them Elain, like they had taken hell to Haven. I just wish I could understand!" he groaned, unable to find a motive for such horrid action. Tears traced down his grimy face, the physical signs escaping his mental control. He shivered, Elains gently glowing blue eyes regarding him with sadness. He pushed himself upwards, shifting so he rested his head and shoulders in the curl of her neck. She rested her head in his lap, her tongue slowly tasting the air before sliding in again. Some small comfort was brought to the pair by their closeness. The particular formation of their bodies now akin to how they had slept when Malcolm was much younger. Although the sun was high, they were soon drifting to sleep again, Elain's presence calming him.


It seemed no sooner had consciousness slipped from them did a boom resound through the valleys. Malcolm sat up rigid, sure he had just escaped another nightmare, the sound of a flash arrow far too familiar too him. But when another followed he scrambled to his feet and stumbled to the cave entrance, he leaned on the cave mouth and reached out with his mind, hoping beyond hope the sound meant what it did. Elain slid up next to him, sniffing the chilly air. They both still wore the clothes and equipment they had earlier, having only snatched a calf from the plains, eaten it and fallen asleep once more. He slung the rucksack he carried onto his back and looked round to Elain, who knew full well he had felt little or nothing "You're not going to argue this are you?" He asked rhetorically, and the sleek dragon's eyes flashed as she lowered, ready to spring into the sky. He leapt onto her back and they soared into the sky.


As they flew he cast shimmering wards about them, making any eyes below not see what they weren't looking for. They headed in the direction the sound had come from; the twisted woods. With the foothills of their mountain dwelling running into the darkwood, and the fervour with which they were travelling, they were coming up on the woods within minutes. A magical presence stirred in Malcolm's mind, a powerful caster of some element, he knew not what. As he saw dirt, trees and potentially bodies fly into the sky on the edge of his vision, he knew where he should be headed, and what nature their quarry took. He lay as low as he could on Elain, and felt the acceleration as she pushed hard.

 

[Macaberz]

Leaning to the left, Olsten peered down. Trees crawled up and down the hills. Even a hundred feet up, the scent of pine pricked his nostrils. “You see anything?” Massive wings drummed the air as they climbed higher still. The air licked his skin with a frozen tongue. Caught between decaying browns and amber mackerel clouds, they circled around. Minutes ticked by, agitation seeping into their bones, soon overruling the joy of flying. It was dangerous to remain up here for too long, but what use was it to be safe if they would simply starve? Gritting his teeth, Olsten leaned forward to shield his face from the thrashing wind.


Tail straight as a candle, Grybil leveled out, wings rustling gently as they drifted upon the air. Dagger-like talons and a maw full of swords had no trouble tearing smaller wildlife apart, the trouble was always in finding it for even the slightest ripple in the air scattered the prey below. A puff of black smoke flared from his nostrils. Every passing moment was a failure, an insult to his pride. He was the lord of the skies, master of the heavens and the fiercest hunter ever to grace the firmament. He snarled when a pitiful little bird joined them in flight. The winged miscreant was lucky he disliked having a mouthful of feathers and bones for breakfast.


A smile broke through Olsten’s lips as he watched the bird of prey bathe in the sun’s vale light. At least we’re not entirely alone, he mused.


Then the thought hit him again. We’re not alone!


The falcon’s shrill shriek made both Dragon and Warden turn their heads. A whizz, then blinding white light. Grybil roared and flapped wildly.


“Watch out!”


Another bang. Another flash. Unable to suppress his reflexes, Gyrbil threw his weight to the side and folded his wings. Leather creaked as the straps barely kept Olsten in his saddle. The explosion still resonated in his skull, threatening to tear his eardrums apart. The ground raced towards them as they half fell, half-launched themselves towards it. The figures on horseback lined up another shot.


But before Olsten could draw his own bow, before Grybil could unleash a torrent of fire upon the galloping horses a large blur entered his peripheral sight. Roaring, Grybil spread out his wings again, yanking them both up and to the side, narrowly avoiding the earth below.


An electrifying ripple shuddered Dragon and Warden as their minds reached the same conclusion. The grass and flowery trees below were not common soil. The deafening roar rented the air apart and for the second time that day, Olsten clutched his hands to his ears. He wanted to scream, he wanted to shout a word of warning to the Warden below, but no sound could break the lump in his throat. We’re not alone…


With a mighty flap, Grybil leapt back up in the air and shot a triumphant blaze of fire over the earth dragon’s head, landing firmly behind the whinnying horses, blocking their path back. Humans and horses for breakfast it was.

 

[explosiveKitten]

Tamrana and Sassy


NORTHEAST OF LAKE NOVAE
​

Of all the times for Sassy to disappear to hunt!


Tamrana found herself running hurriedly through the Woodlands of Valnahan. The dogs were behind her, she could hear them behind her. Their pants mixed with growls and howling, she could hear them from a mile away. The hunters were no doubt following them. She would be found in minutes! Shoving her way through the thick brush, she fought her way towards the Veridan mountains. Nobody could climb the rock like she could! If she could just get that far, she'd be able to escape-


The first dog tackled her from behind. She could smell it's rancid breath, the warm musty smell tingling down her spine as it bit into her shoulder like savage. It made her scream in agony, the smell of blood clogged up her nose. She couldn't smell anything else as the second and third dogs were all over her. She had no way of fighting them off, they were tearing her to pieces. She didn't have anywhere to go! She had lost her longsword a long time ago. But now as she scrabbled along the ground under the mass of writhing flesh and fur, her hand found a loose branch on the forest floor.


Oh yes. This would do just fine.


The branch cracked loudly against the muzzle of the third dog. the canine whined and ran off, which made it ram into dog number two, sending the pair toppling. Then the problem of the first dog who was latched into her shoulder became more apparent as it began to drag her around, digging it's sharp teeth into her flesh more, deeper and deeper. It hurt so much, she began to bash the branch against the dog in her panic, her panic clouding her thoughts. But the panic didn't aid her.


I'm going to die like this, she thought panicked as she fought for her miserable life, I can't believe I'm going to die after all this running, all this time! Just killed by a savage bunch of dogs! How did my life become this?!


Bright lights rained from the sky. Saskan, the great green dragon flew down from the sky, spewing arcane magic from her jaws. The dogs barked at her and tried to attack, but the dragon had quickly snapped up her ward and flown off.


"Sassy.... You couldn't have hurried a little..."


The dragon only snorted and continued her course. North towards the Orcish lands.

 

[CloudyBlueDay]

Feria & Ifer

The Twisted Woods

Feria ate her part of the rabbit. Although she was rather wary of her surroundings and continuously stopped to gaze around, she devoured it very quickly. However, Ifer was being a stubborn pouty face, deciding to completely ignore his rabbit in protest and sulk. "Alright then, I guess I'll just it yours, huh?" Feria smirked as she reached over to grab the cooked rabbit. Ifer snarled at her, guarding his meat as soon as she reached for it. Feria rolled her eyes.


A tree branch cracked. Hopefully another rabbit, but when Feria looked around, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Strange, she could've sworn she heard something, and after a quick glance at Ifer he seemed to had heard something too. Then, a shriek. An awful, ear piercing screech. Feria cringed, gripping her dagger in one hand and trying to form ice in the other as a horde of Wyverns flew down. Ifer had scrambled to his feet, growling at the intruders as he blew ice shards at them in hopes to knock a few down or stun them.


There were too many. Way too many. There wasn't a large body of water incredibly close, although she could feel that there were some in the distance so she wasn't able to create a very big shield but she certainly was sweating. She could conjure small but sharp ice spikes. "Ifer, build a wall!" For once Ifer heeded her and instead of aiming his icy breath at the wyverns he began to blow them at the ground, forming a wall.


Feria jumped behind the small wall, unsheathing a katana and preparing to swing at any wyvern that appeared. Instead of just standing still behind the wall, she jogged in place to generate more sweat for more ammo, and any second she could she was throwing more sharp ice spikes. Once Ifer felt the wall was substantial he turned to help Feria and once more began to hiss icy breath at the attackers.

 

[Llamadragon]

The winds were strong, whirling around the dragon rider with that chilly, biting, wintery cold that felt like a heavens send. It was bitterly raw against her face, yes, but Erion just felt all her stress drop off her weary old shoulders and she took a deep breath of crispy fresh mountain air. How long had it been since they last traveled the sky? A month? Three months? Much too long! It never got old! With a grin and flicker of joy dancing in her heart, the old woman pressed herself closer to Lupins back as her playful dragon sped up. Wings beating fast, fast, he darted through the skies as quickly as the howling mountain winds would carry them, letting out a singing, quiet dolphin note as he announced his ecstatic joy to his laughing Warden.


The scream cut through the brief moment of peace like a metal knife scrapes against glass - harshly, shriekingly, without remorse. Rion felt Lupins mind snap right out of his playfulness and she shifted her gaze to the forest. To the green light she had hoped to never witness again, stretching like deaths own, bony, clawed fingers around some unfortunate soul. Up from the darkness through the withering canopy - up from the depths of unpleasant memories. Rion frowned and before she even got around to ask him, Lupin swiftly shifted his weight to his left, further to the east and in over the mountain terrain. The mountains and its humans carried the risk of detection, but Rion did not question her dragons judgement. The screams of death woes just has a way of getting in under ones skin, regardless of how many times you have the misfortune to hear it. It reaches past the reasoning mind and into that hidden, primal and fearful animal place that the thinking mind never quite governs, that we so often forget or try to deny. As they flew away, Rion felt her arm hairs stand on end ans she surveyed the Forest for any hint of motion until they passed over a ridge or two. Relaxing time was over.


After surveying the upcoming valley from the air and making sure they were most likely alone, Lupin dropped in height and touched ground with the grace and silence of a cat. It was still close enough enough to the Forest to hopefully keep people away, but still, hopefully, far enough. They would continue on foot.

 

[Effervescent]

The Northeastern Border of the Twisted Woods

The faclon circled overhead, its shadow undulating across the terrain dully as the sun threatened to break through the grey fog lifting ever higher into the sky. The afternoon no longer wished to hold onto the chill the night hand brought, and released it in vapors to replace with the coming afternoon sun. The bird cried out to its master as it spotted another form within the trees, but the warning came too late.


A hunter called out to his friend, but the earth rumbled violently and let loose the earth below the horses' feet in a thick cloud. One would think it impossible with how damp the earth was with moisture from the melting frost, but another dragon made its appearance known, its massive form thrashing through the dust.


The hunters were thrown from their mounts with great force, tumbling out of the fray and down the hill just as their initial target landed. They were quick to action, each taking their own target as they swiftly rose and loosed arrows at the two riders. The severety of the situation called for the quick elemination of the Dragon Wardens, though as they fired a second round they backed their way towards the Twisted Woods in hopes for escape.


Only five arrows each among them, and the two massive dragons would be too difficult to overcome. What use would a bounty be to a hunter if they were not alive to collect it? This job was over for the two. They would need to retreat, recouperate, and try again another time. The likes of the Twisted Woods felt more survivable than this situation, especially now that their horses were gone.


@Red Thunder @CaptainDorran @Macaberz

Cliffs of Anova

Julaeus clung to the jutting cliff face just outside the cave where the girl retreated. Sweat beaded down his pale face where dark strays of blue locks stuck to his temples. The fast beating of his heart drummed in his ears in fear of the coming encounter. It took every ounce of bravery for the elf to bring himself to let go of the rocks to free one hand and produce a letter within a side pocket of his bag. Tossing it into the cave, he cleared his throat, readying himself to speak loudly and clearly over the crashing waves of the sea.


"I-I am a friend, I swear!" he called out to the Dragon Warden. "Please, take the letter. Read it. I am what you would call a Guide. I am here to help you!"


Taking in a calming breath, he carefully removed the bag from around his shoulders. The shift in weight nearly caused the man to slip from the shelf that carried him, but he maintained his balance and threw the bag into the cave as well. He hoped dearly the bag did not hit the girl or the dragon within. The last thing he needed was to anger the two and become their next meal.


When the bag met the cavern floor, a few of its contents spilled out and scattered across the rocks. Rations of bread, dried meats, fruits, and vegetables could be seen within, along with several tin canteens of fresh water that sloshed about. A blanket and some clean clothes were also packed neatly within.


Julaeus waited. While the letter sealed with the mark of the star would carry important information, it was not all that needed to be reported to the Dragon Warden.


@Keitsumah

Southeastern forests of the Woodlands of Valnahar

The forests closer to Lake Novae and the river that feeds it are a sight to behold at night. The bioluminescent flora burst with color and a glow that felt as though one were walking through a dream, serene and at peace. It is revered by many, and the native Sur regard it as a sacred forest blessed by the World Tree.


In the morning, however, it looked just as any other forest. Late Autumn began to herald the cold, and the dying leaves wilted and fell from the trees and matted the floor in preparation. Tall trees moaned as the wind rocked them gently, a few lightly tapping each other, their branches lightly sighing with the friction as if to pass on a secret.


An unnatural, yet soothing whir grew above the treetops. Vuaturi constructs began their migration to more temperate climates for the Winter. A five day travel from the foothills of the Veridan Mountains would take them into Faledrin.


A flash of light caught the eye of the Vuaturi. Such luminescence in these parts were uncommon during the day. The color was easily recognizable as arcane magic, but what they saw next was something they had not anticipated. There was a dragon out in the open.


Thannel brushed past his holographic map as he made for his balcony to gain a better vantage point. Dragons were being hunted by humans, but these lands were sacred. He wasn't sure the Sur would approve, and should they discover it could cause another rift among elves and man. Without the Dragon Wardens, who was there to keep the peace?


"Keep to your course," a voice chimed through a speaker within his construct. "We do not mettle in the affairs of others."


The constructs rumbled in magical suspension as they slowly floated past the action. The dragon swooped down into the trees, only to come right back up. Something, no someone was in the dragon's claws. Thannel's white eyes widened with sudden realization. The dragon was arcane based on its structure, and while those dragons were known to play with their food, they were not known to carry their food so gently and caringly.


Entering his modest construct once again, Thannel approached the helm and altered his course. His elvin kin bursted through the sound system in protest, commanding that he readjust his course and demanding that he explain his actions. He knew even if he were to tell them, they would advise he do the opposite. He had already made up his mind.


@explosiveKitten

The Twisted Woods

Excitement grew in the pack of wyverns as their prey began to fight back. A couple of them flew towards the wall and perched upon it in search for the girl while the others swarmed. They occasionally swooped down as they flew about, their maws snapping towards the dragon and the girl as if to toy with them.


Ifer's icy breath sliced through the hides of the two atop the wall, the dark blood oozing from the wounds as they released a pained shrill. The injured wyverns retreated back into the canopy, but this did not deter the others that drew nearer and nearer. A rather eager one rushed around the wall of ice and lashed out towards Feria with its spiked tail while another snapped dowards her arm with its teeth.


The wyvern swarm was difficult to number, for they kept falling back into the canopy shade before coming right back out into flight. They looked to have gathered around twenty, all excited for the kill, yet unknowing of what they were really up against.


@CloudyBlueDay

The Northern border between the Twisted Woods and the Northern Mountains

Not very many were willing to traverse the lands close to the Twisted Woods. There were times when the creatures within would become bold and curious of the expanse outside their trees. The few that would even live close to this border came from generations that refused to leave their homes. One such person was Barrod the shepherd who, on this fine Autumn day, tended to his sheep contently. He was a fine shepherd, priding himself in his herd. His faithful dogs rounded about to his side and sat as they waited for his commands, their eyes watching with him for any possible lurking predators.


His eyes widened at the sight of a dragon swooping down and landing among the valley ahead. Instincts kicked in as he concerned himself with the safety of his sheep. One dragon, especially one of that size, could likely feast off of his herd without so much of a pause. Through his teeth he released a shrill whistle, his dogs bursting into action as they began to run to the other side of the herd. Barrod kept his eyes to the dragon, using his peripheral to gauge what command to whistle out next.


The dragon was barely a speck of color down the ridge, but it was enough for the shepherd to eventually make out the form of a person upon its back. The air seized in Barrod’s lungs. Oh, what a terrible fate that has befallen him this day! He almost wished he had only to deal with just a dragon. This news was something the man would want to report to his family and friends. They needed to be warned of the terror that lurked close at hand.


@Llamadragon

The Northern Woods of Eversyth

There was a break in the tree line that led into a clearing atop a small hill. Upon the hill rested a cozy looking cottage nestled under a large tree. It was typical of a few Naveri to live out on their own away from their large villages. The solitude was perfect for Dragon Warden supporters, but Idhrenan hesitated at the edge of the forest. She looked over at Eosphelon to express her concern. This was the first house they had come across in the past two days, and it fit the description of what was given to the Dragon Warden.


A last minute check on her hat and a hooded cloak for extra measure, Idhrenan urged the small arcane dragon to stay within the shade of the woods. Each step was carefully measured, the soft soles of her boots treading along the grass to minimize her tracks as best as possible. The warm sun kissed her exposed skin in the cool air. It was likely a good hundred and some paces to the rugged looking wooden door framed by grey stone. She carefully searched through the hanging meat set to cure outside and along the drying flowers strung from a post. Finally, she found the star painted in red and felt a rush of relief.


Eosphelon perked up in interest, eager to get out in the open field, but Idhrenan requested he remain still until she checked the presence within the quaint cottage. She knocked on the door thrice, waiting only a moment until the door swung wide.


@LadyMatsudai

 

[Keitsumah]

Day 85: Ava and Feral: Cliffs of Anova



​

Guide? Ava frowned in confusion when the letter fluttered to the ground a few meters away. Laying a hand on Feral's knee, the dragon shifted her weight and moved forward alongside her rider, heading toward the letter, when the bag was tossed in.


Both jumped back: Feral with a hiss as she flung one wing in front of the girl, but as soon as they recognized it as food and supplies their tense postures relaxed somewhat. Ava, however, remained fixed on their original objective and picked up the envelope as her companion sniffed the bag's contents. Food and clothing. Ava's mouth watered and she picked at her threadbare shirt. Things they desperately needed. But they couldn't let this act fool them into letting down their guard.


"Take a look at whoever is outside, Feral. I'm going to read this first."


Feral's head bobbed up and down in agreement and the dragon took several long-bodied steps toward the entrace, stretching out her neck just enough to peer around the corner at the elf.


"No visible weapons. Seems to be alone. Smells frightened. But that last could be very easy to make a reality: he is daring to go near a dragon's den." Ava muttered. She frowned and cut open the paper envelope, eying the red, waxen star that had sealed it. She wasn't familiar with this symbol. Not elf or human by her guessing. Nor orc even for that matter.


Eyes narrowing, Ava unfolded the crisp, white paper inside and read it's contents:

Reports of Dragon Wardens reaching as far out as the Veridan Mountains. Two have been captured and killed. Dragon Warden Svald and his dragon Burur, and Dragon Warden Unilla and her dragon Xessaves. Avoid all main roads in Thallas. They are all patrolled by the Queen's army. The Sur ask that the Dragon Wardens leave their lands. They want no trouble.
Rumors of a cult have risen. Wallace Savere's name keeps cropping up in Northern Thallas calling him a savior. They mark their faces with black running down their eyes.


Council member Forlan has been captured in Eastern Faledrin near the village of Thim. His dragon Vorstq is missing.


Important! Make sure all Dragon Wardens know not to return to the Haven! No one seems to return after investigating.


Emasari Idhrenan requests any survivors make for the neutral lands in the Northwest.


Negotiations with the natives in Baladur are still on hold. Civilians unsure if the king will want to take the land by force.

"There... there are others..." Ava's heart began to pound in her chest wildly and she re-read the letter again. Her teeth grit as she heard of deaths and capture. Some things she knew -some names familiar. Others not. But she burned the names into her mind, memorizing them. Feral growled as the information was relayed between them. Baladur had been her birthplace. Ava had been given that much of her life before she had been taken to the Dragon Wardens. Thus she felt a slight kinship to the place: but her anger at Haven being destroyed overrode any mercy she felt for it's citizens.


Feral sniffed at the bag again and made a high-pitched yip when she located the meat. Ava glanced up just as her companion tore into a chunk and swallowed it, then tapped at a water canteen with her snout.


"Here." Ava walked over and opened the container, sniffed its contents, then cautiously poured it into her dragon's open jaws. The girl took another for herself, as well as the clothes, bread, and fruit, then ate a few bites before remembering that the elf still waited for an answer outside.


She bit a large chunk of bread off of the loaf and one cheek stuck out as she chewed. Let him in.





Feral licked her chops as she finished the last of the meat, then stalked to the entrance again. This time the dragon stood close to the edge of the cave and snaked her head outside to look at the elf directly.


The dragon sniffed at him curiously, suspicious, then leaned her head forward, offering to let the elf wrap his arms around her muzzle so she could lift him into the cave.


Ava kept well against the back wall, and should the elf come inside she would keep a wary eye on him. She glanced at the letter to re-read it again from time to time.

 

[LadyMatsudai]

Erramun kept sniffing the air diligently, golden eyes scanning intensely for any more clues or signs of those who had passed through the brush of the forest before them. The large earth dragon was starting to worry. The clues of the trespassers seemed to go on and on but there was no sign of them getting closer. Erramun whimpered as he heard Dinyla cough heavily on the saddle, still shielded by his wings before she threw up, coughing at the horrible feeling escaping her as she remained on her side on the saddle.


Purring to have the saddle vibrate to help his rider, Erramun kept moving forward, his large body engulfing the path of the smaller beast that tore through the woods, his stone scales untouched while the wood broke and caved to his strength. His tail swayed side to side across the sand to cover his tracks, while it would not hide the evidence on the trees, it would keep others from thinking a dragon had passed by...hopefully. Soon...there had to be something coming soon...


Then he saw it...a small house tucked in through the thicket of the woods and hidden in the shade of the larger trees. A deep pure of joy erupted from Erramun's large chest before he stopped to the weak whimper from Dinyla, still shaking and pale from her sickness. The house was still a fair distance away...but it might be something. His joy turned to worry at second thoughts. It's not a dragon...it's not. It's a house with humans that could harm him as well as Dinyla. It may not be safe after all. It did cross Erramun's mind to continue past the house...but there was something else. A familiar smell...a smell not too far from their location that made the stone beast tilt his head up and inhale. His golden eyes widened in realization.


A dragon...


Not wanting to startle Dinyla, Erramun slowly inched towards the direction of the house, his stone covered talons sinking into the wet earth under him as the trees shivered to each slow step. His wings tucked closer towards Dinyla to keep her from sight...he kept staring intently ahead...waiting...begging...

 

[Red Thunder]

The Northeastern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

The horse whined weakly, clutched in the vise like grip of Kraeg's maw. It called desperately for its companion and its master. But both were gone, its companion having been roasted by the hunted bounty and its master having fled in a panic for the trees. The dying mount's eyes followed the bounty hunter as he left it, and it finally succumbed to its wounds, despair in its animal soul.


Hale climbed down off his dragon's back as his friend sated his hunger on the horse's corpse. He waved a hand and the dust cloud dropped, falling back to the ground as quickly as it had risen. The half-elf frowned as he yanked the arrow from his chest, glad that he hadn't taken it off since fleeing the Haven. The twisted branches of the wood made judging the distance to the fleeing hunters difficult. Besides, it'd be foolish to reengage them. They were trained to kill; he was not. All the same, he risked a lot in letting them go. It was bad enough that they had known of one Dragon Warden; now they knew of two.


The familiar rumble of Kraeg's drew him back to his surroundings. Of course! There was another Dragon Warden! Hale spun around, yanked his quarter staff out from its place on Kraeg's saddle, and began stumbling about, looking for the fire dragon that had killed the other horse.


"Hello? Anyone there?"


@Macaberz @CaptainDorran

 

[Macaberz]

The Northeastern Border of the Twisted Woods


Grybil let out a pleased snort as the bounty hunters turned tail and ran. Sniffing, he approached his reward. A steady throb pulsed in the horse's neck. He snuffed it out with one bone-breaking snap of his jaw.


"Come on we, can't let them get away!" Olsten said. But Grybil was immovable, he was not going to risk having his meal eaten by mud-wing. Horse meat maybe tough on the teeth, but it was better than the thin air he'd been served for over a day.


Sighing, Olsten refrained from giving chase and pulled a string on the saddle. With a rattle and a whir the straps around his ankles came loose. The only trouble with his invention was strapping in again took longer, but he was pleased with it nonetheless. At least being on the run had allowed him to spend more crafting inventions, only he very much lacked the tools to build anything significant. Sliding down, he clutched one hand to his upper right arm. He'd been lucky that the arrow had merely grazed the leather and bruised the skin. For mere bounty hunters, they certainly had good aim. Pacing aroynd Grybil he met the other Warden halfway. A billowing fur-lined cloak and dark auburn hair, seated atop a slender frame, greeted him. He stopped in his tracks.


"Oh," he glanced down at the young man's skewed foot. Of all the people that survived...we're left with a cripple... Struggling to hide his disappointment, Olsten gave the pointy-eared Warden a scrutinizing once-over. For a moment only chewing and crunching of bones sounded. After so much time away from other living beings, Olsten had to remind himself of his manners. Cripple or not, the young man had come to his aid and was by all means a brother.


Grimacing, Olsten tore his eyes from the bum leg and met the half-elf's stormy gaze before extending his hand and offering his name. With the formalities out of the way, he showed no restrained, an avalanche of questions clattered down on his brother-in-arms. "You heard what happened, didn't you? Were you there too? -At Haven I mean- any news? There was an expedition to the mountains, my Mentor was there, have you seen him? Tall, plaited hair, quite scarred because he's no good with razors, his name's Malcolm...?"


It felt good to be talking to someone again.


@Red Thunder @CaptainDorran

 

[CaptainDorran]

Eyes fixed on the two attackers of the Dragon Wardens Malcolm stood up and forward in the saddle, hatred rose within him and a primal predatory urge surged through Elain. The invisibility ward faded as he gathered his strength for coming combat. He swayed in the saddle, counteracting the sweeping zig-zag flight of Elain as she aimed to confound any further arrows. As a pair was loosed towards them Malcolm swatted it from the sky with an arc of arcane energy. He saw the vast Earth Dragon devour a horse hungrily but as he saw the hobbling Warden his mind was set. For too long he'd been angry at himself with no one else to legitimately blame. Those two hunters were now the object of his wrath, and he swooped low over the blur of a pair of Wardens as he chased his prey, neither obviously up for a fight in his view.


Elain hit the ground running, slowing just enough for Malcolm to leap off of his binding free saddle and land in a roll. He got up and shared a quick signalling glance with Elain. They both split ways, disappearing into the woods from the raised clearing. He could feel the presence of the Hunters' panicked minds ahead of them, Dragon and Warden bracketed them. Elain's stealthy form padding silently through the mist and twisted trees, her senses alert and her arcane magic ready to kill. Malcolm moved quickly but carefully parallel to her about twenty metres away. He could now hear the seemingly loud sound of the bounty hunters and their equipment ahead of them. Some part of him reasoned with itself, weighing up his responsibility to those two other wardens and the danger of letting the two attackers escape. But barely managed lust for revenge overrode, pushing him after the men who tried to kick them when they're down.


He closed in on them, feeling the presence of Elain also drawing closer. As he was within five metres he reached out with his mind, casting an illusion of total darkness into their minds. He moved forward as if through water, his concentration focused on blinding them. The sounds around him dulled as if he were himself beneath the surface of some mirror smooth millpond. He had fought more numerous enemies, with Elain and other Wardens at his side, but still his heart pounded, his face hard and eyes narrowed in loathing. As he neared the left hunter he slowly and cautiously moved a hand to the hilt of his combat knife, no need to dirty his sword with their blood. His hand closed round the hilt of the small blade and he moved forward at lightning speed, the spell lifting as his concentration broke. Slinging one arm round the man's chest to impede any vain evasion he drove the knife into the side of the hunters throat, blood splattering on his hand and the side of his face. The man's body went limp, but remained upright in Malcolm's grip, feeling the dragon skin armour beneath his fingers he stabbed him again pointlessly in frustration. All this having occurred in just a few split seconds his mind flitted to the remaining hunter. As he looked the man had managed to notch an arrow and was drawing back as Elain loomed behind him. Malcolm grimaced and spun to hold the dead body before him as a macabre shield. The stun arrow flew and detonated on the body. Malcolm was thrown back by the force and landed on his back with a grunt, soot covering his arm and the dead hunter. Elain roared in frustration as she stumbled back a few steps, also stunned.

 

[Red Thunder]

The Northeastern Border of the Twisted Woods

​

Kraeg ate the whole carcass, saddle bags and all. Going without food except for the odd faelus root for several days had made him ravenous. The crunch of bones filled the air as both he and the fire drake consumed their respective dinners. For his part, Hale took the outstretched hand and returned the introduction, being sure to include his dragon as well. The scrutinization bothered him, though he knew he should be used to it by now. Shaking his head, the half-elf sighed.


"Aye, we heard. Were on the way home, Kraeg and I, when we got attacked. Well, we and... and others."


He shrugged helplessly and leaned in his staff.


"As to your Mentor...I'm sorry. Happy to help you look, but I...I lost mine. Getting your hopes up is a terrible thing, Olsten.


"Especially when all hell seems to have broken loose."


As if to punctuate his admonition, a muffled explosion sounded in the forest, not too far from their positron. Hale whirled, lifting his staff defensively before him. His dragon suddenly perked his head, his half eaten meal forgotten. Hale grimaced.


"And yet more trouble." He cocked an eye to Kraeg. "What do you think, mate?"


Kraeg chuffed, his voice grating like stone on stone. The grass on his back waved in the still air in agitation, and the trees on his back rustled in a similar way. Hale nodded, his gray eyes tired.


"Okay then."


The half-elf hobbled to his dragon and began climbing up, only to stop to turn to his new acquaintance.


"Feel like making sure those killers are kept silent?"


His voice held determination but no enthusiasm.


@Macaberz @CaptainDorran